The amazing thing about aromatherapy is that a single essential oil can be used for many different ailments. One oil can aid with respiratory illness, skin care, and mood, for example. This makes essential oils ideal for the unique physical and emotional challenges that come with being a woman. Essential oils for women is a fun topic for discussion simply because we have unique wellness needs that come along with female hormones and functions.

Essential Oils for Women

Let’s explore the four oils – Clary Sage, Geranium, Jasmine, and Rose – that are most frequently used for feminine issues. Each oil is linked to my favorite essential oils seller –  — should you need to purchase it. If you have a favorite seller already, certainly purchase from them.

Clary Sage

Clary Sage – with its herbaceous, earthy and floral aroma – is a superstar where women’s health is concerned. It can be used across the female lifespan for menstruation, childbirth and menopause. During menstruation, it can help relieve pain and spasms in the uterus. It also can promote menstruation when needed. Additionally, it is frequently used for respiratory, digestive and emotional issues, as well as an aphrodisiac.

Emotional Uses: antidepressant, euphoric, stress

Physical Uses: antispasmodic, deodorant, emmenagogue, hypotensive, nervine, sedative, tonic and uterine; balances uterine and female issues, and as an agent to clean greasy hair; asthmatic spasms

Blends Well With: Bergamot, Cedarwood, Chamomile Roman, Chamomile German, Geranium, Jasmine, Lavender, Neroli, Orange, Rosewood, Sandalwood and Ylang Ylang

Cautions: non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing; avoid during pregnancy

Geranium  

Geranium essential oil is definitely an acquired smell. Either you love it or hate it. Interestingly enough, it is frequently used in perfumery and other fragranced items like soaps, lotions and creams. Its antispasmodic properties made it a popular treatment historically for diarrhea and dysentery. It is one of the best oils for detoxification as it acts as a diuretic and can aid in cleansing the lymphatic system. Due to its ability to balance the hormones, this oil is ideal for premenstrual symptoms and menopause.

Physical Uses: astringent, diuretic, antiseptic, tonic, antibiotic, antispasmodic and as an anti- infectious agent; women’s health issues, acne, cellulite, dull skin, calms nervous system, stimulates adrenal glands

Emotional Uses: uplifting, all-over balancing effect, depression, stress

Blends Well With: Basil, Bergamot, Citronella, Clary Sage, Fennel, Grapefruit, Juniper Berry, Lavender, Lemon, Lemongrass, Neroli and Nutmeg

Cautions: non-toxic, non-irritant and generally non-sensitizing; can cause sensitivity in some people; avoid during pregnancy

Jasmine

Jasmine is often thought of as a romance oil thanks to its proven use as an aphrodisiac. It has an intoxicating, warm, rich and floral fragrance. Historically, jasmine has been used for religious ceremonies and personal adornment. In addition to its powerful use as an antidepressant, jasmine is one of the best oils for labor, delivery and postpartum recovery.

Emotional Uses: anxiety, insomnia, stress, healing from sexual trauma

Physical Uses: aphrodisiac, women’s health, tonic to the reproductive system, dry skin, anti-inflammatory, emollient

Blends Well With: generally works with all oils, rounds out scents and tends to work well with other aphrodisiac oils especially Sandalwood and Ylang-ylang

Cautions: non-irritating, moderate skin sensitization when used topically

Rose

Behold the magnificence that is Rose oil. With more than 300 chemical compounds, it is one of the most complex oils that exists. In fact, not all of rose’s chemical makeup is known making its full therapeutic benefit a bit of a mystery. However, it does have a long list of known properties including: anti-anxiety, antibacterial, antidepressant, antiseptic, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, astringent, laxative, sedative and tonic. Rose is a multifaceted female oil. It is ideal for functional infertility, regulating menstruation and relieving cramps and excessive bleeding.

Physical Uses: menopause, mature skin, wrinkles

Emotional Uses: depression, self-love, love

Blends Well With: Angelica Root, Bergamot, Chamomile German, Chamomile Roman, Clove Bud, Clary Sage, Geranium, Frankincense, Melissa, Rosewood, Sandalwood, and Ylang-ylang.

Cautions: non-toxic, non-irritating, non-sensitizing

These four oils are generally considered to be THE best oils for feminine issues. There are, however, several other oils that are great for the concerns that come along with womanhood.

Other Oils to Try: Yarrow, Fennel, Lavender

Essential Oil Recipes for Women

Here are a few recipes specifically formulated for women. From PMS to labor,  hormone balancing to the relief of emotional stress, these lovely blends can increase your overall wellness or help get you through the hours or days of difficulty that sometimes comes with being a girl.

PMS/Cramp Relief Lotion

• 6 drops Fennel
• 4 drops Clary Sage
• 14 drops Lavender
• 1 ounce of unscented lotion

Mix oils with unscented lotion and apply a thin layer to abdomen as needed to relieve menstrual cramps or symptoms of PMS

Labor Pain Relief Oil

• 4 drops Jasmine
• 12 drops Myrrh
• 4 drops Vetiver
• 30 drops Lavender
• 2 ounces of Jojoba Oil

Mix oils with jojoba oil and apply a thin layer to the area where labor is most intense, as needed. Make sure to wash off thoroughly before handling the baby after delivery.

Hormonal Balancing Diffuser Blend

• 10 drops Geranium
• 12 drops Yarrow
• 10 drops Clary Sage
• 30 drops Bergamot

Create a master blend by adding oils to a 5ml glass bottle. To use:

1. Add 6-8 drops to your diffuser and diffuse for  15-30 minutes at a time several times a day.
2. Add 18 drops to a one-ounce bottle of Jojoba oil or unscented lotion and apply a dime-sized amount to skin daily. Bergamot is a phototoxic oil, so it is best to use on skin not exposed to the sun (such as the abdomen).

Emotional Well-Being Inhaler

• 2 drops Rose
• 8 drops Lavender
• 5 drops Mandarin
• Blank Personal Inhaler

Mix oils in a small bowl and submerge inhaler wick in mixture. Assemble inhaler placing wick inside inhaler. To use, breathe in deeply for 5 minutes at a time each hour or as needed.